MLB Player News

Keaschall finished 1-for-3 and is already up to four doubles, while batting .371 across 11 Grapefruit League contests this spring. The 23-year-old top prospect was putting together an impressive breakthrough fantasy campaign last year before suffering a fractured forearm that kept him on the shelf for over three months. He’s an outstanding pure hitter who projects as a strong batting average source with the ability to reach double-digit homers and eclipse 20 stolen bases, making him a potential upper-echelon fantasy option at second base.

While it doesn’t sound like anything overly serious, there are only 11 days remaining until Opening Day, so every day missed is critical at this stage. If it doesn’t clear up in the next few days, there’s a chance that the 29-year-old slugger may need to open the season on the injured list. It’s a situation to monitor as the next week unfolds, especially with Larnach’s history of oblique issues.

Rodríguez, 26, wound up playing a role during the Guardians’ magical stretch run in 2025 as a masher against left-handed pitching. He faced a crowded outfield mix this spring though and wound up on the outside looking in. He should get an opportunity at some point during the first half of the 2026 campaign.

Jameson had a shot at earning a spot in the club’s Opening Day bullpen, but he struggled to an 8.44 ERA, 2.44 WHIP and a 5/5 K/BB ratio over 5 1/3 innings during Cactus League play. He’ll undoubtedly get an opportunity with the big league club at some point during the 2026 campaign.

Hoffman, 28, pitched decently during Grapefruit League action — posting a 4.91 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 10/1 K/BB ratio over 7 1/3 innings. While it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot in the Phillies’ bullpen, it likely positions himself well to be one of the first players to get an opportunity once injury or ineffectiveness eventually strike.

That would line up Aaron Nola to pitch in the finals against the winner of the United States and the Dominican Republic should Italy’s magical run continue. Lorenzen was exceptional his last time out against Team USA, hurling 4 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball. He’ll be opposed by Keider Montero for Venezuela.

The 26-year-old hurler is still recovering from the ACL tear in his knee that he suffered last July. He has been able to build up his arm strength this spring, but is still limited when it comes to fielding his position. No timeline yet on when exactly he may be ready to join the Cardinals.

It’s the first time that Lindor has been in the lineup on the big league side since undergoing hamate bone surgery on his left wrist. He’ll get as many at-bats as possible over the next week and a half and barring any setbacks it sounds like he should be good to go in time for Opening Day.

The 25-year-old shortstop sustained the injury as he dove headfirst into home plate during Saturday’s Cactus League affair. Fortunately, it sounds like he was able to avoid any significant injury. Neto noted that he’s grateful that he “dodged a bullet” and said that he learned a lesson about sliding headfirst. It sounds like fantasy managers and Angels’ fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

No real surprises among this duo, as both would have needed exceptionally strong springs to push for inclusion in the club’s Opening Day bullpen. Willingham was lit up during Grapefruit League play, posting a 10.50 ERA, 2.17 WHIP and a 10/4 K/BB ratio across six innings.

The 32-year-old right-hander struggled during Cactus League play, registering a 7.94 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and a 7/4 K/BB ratio across 5 2/3 innings. He’ll attempt to get himself right at Triple-A Louisville before getting an opportunity to contribute to the Reds’ bullpen.